Indiana official: Child abuse reports up over 2 years

Reports of child abuse and neglect in Indiana grew 15 percent during the past two years, a top official in the state's child protection agency said.

Department of Child Services Chief of Staff John Ryan said the agency received about 151,000 reports in 2011, and 173,000 in 2012.

"Reports are up, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's more abuse or neglect taking place," Ryan told WRTV-TV. "What it hopefully means is people are more aware of abuse and neglect and are stepping forward and reporting it."

Less than a fifth of those reports are substantiated, Ryan said.

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Indiana official: Child abuse reports up over 2 years

Reports of child abuse and neglect in Indiana grew 15 percent during the past two years, a top official in the state's child protection agency said.